Breaking: Court Orders Immediate Arrest of Sowore as Details Emerge
- Federal High Court issues arrest warrant for activist Omoyele Sowore over absence in cyberbullying case
- Prosecution argues Sowore's absence lacked a valid justification, leading to bail revocation
- Sowore's defence stalled as the court denied the adjournment request and maintained the trial proceedings
FCT, Abuja - The in Abuja has ordered the immediate arrest of Sahara Reporters publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore following his absence from proceedings in a cyberbullying case involving allegations linked to his social media posts.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the matter, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after granting an application by the prosecution.
Source: Twitter
The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Akinkolu Kehinde, had argued that there was no sufficient reason for Sowore’s failure to appear in court.
Trial delayed over defence proceedings
The prosecution had earlier closed its case after presenting its witness, leaving Sowore to begin his defence, Premium Times reported.
However, proceedings were stalled after the activist challenged the trial process and requested that the judge withdraw from the case.
Sowore had previously filed a no-case submission, asking the court to dismiss the charges, but the application was rejected, with the judge ruling that the prosecution had established a case requiring him to respond.
At the previous sitting, Sowore insisted on the judge’s withdrawal, saying his legal team had concerns about appearing before the court.
Court rejects adjournment request
When the case resumed, Sowore was absent, and no lawyer appeared on his behalf. The court was informed of a letter requesting a change of date.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that no valid reason had been provided for the absence, Vanguard reported.
Following the arguments, Justice Umar granted the prosecution’s request to revoke Sowore’s bail and ordered that a bench warrant be issued for his arrest.
Sowore collapses during protest
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a viral video from the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja has shown activist and politician Omoyele Sowore collapsing during the demonstration after security forces reportedly fired tear gas at the gathering.
The incident occurred as protesters assembled in the nation’s capital to express concerns over governance issues and economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Source: Legit.ng
